Drafter
Clerk 03/31/2011
Title
AN ORDINANCE modifying the establishment, powers and duties of the emergency management organization of King County; and amending Ordinance 12075, Section 15, and K.C.C. 2.56.030 and Ordinance 12075, Section 16, as amended, and K.C.C. 2.56.040.
Body
PREAMBLE:
In order to more effectively prepare for, respond to and recover from the effects of both natural and technological emergencies in our region, and in keeping with changes in state and federal regulation, King County significantly reorganized its emergency management structure in 1995. Since that time, the experience gathered by the King County office of emergency management and its partnering jurisdictions through disasters, emergencies and joint exercises has revealed the importance of a uniform and rational approach to the regional coordination of emergency planning, response and recovery efforts.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF KING COUNTY:
SECTION 1. Ordinance 12075, Section 15, and K.C.C. 2.56.030 are hereby amended to read as follows:
There is established pursuant to state law ((a)) the King County office of emergency management ((division)), the operation of which shall be the responsibility of the director of the department of ((information and administrative)) executive services. The mission of the office of emergency management ((division)) shall be to provide for the effective direction, control and coordination of county government emergency services functional units, to coordinate with other governments and the private, nongovernmental sector, in compliance with ((an)) a state approved comprehensive emergency management plan and to serve as the coordinating entity for cities, county governmental departments, and other appropriate agencies during incidents and events of regional significance.
SECTION 2. Ordinance 12075, Section 16, as amended, and K.C.C. 2.56.040 are hereby amended to read as follows:
A. The executive shall have general supervision and control of the emergency management organization and shall be responsible for implementing the provisions of K.C.C. chapter 2.56 in the event of a disaster.
B. In performing the executive's duties pursuant to this chapter, and to effect its policy and purpose, the executive is further authorized and empowered to:
1. Make, amend and rescind the necessary orders, rules((,)) and regulations to implement the provisions of this chapter within the authority conferred upon him herein and in K.C.C. chapter 12.52, consistent with the provisions of state law and the plans of the state and federal government((.));
2. Cooperate with state governments, federal government, local governments and with other counties and with the provinces of the Dominion of Canada, and with private agencies in all matters pertaining to the emergency management operations of the county((.));
3. Foster cooperative planning at all levels to enable a uniform and rational approach to the coordination of multi-agency and multijurisdictional actions for all regional mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery efforts;
4. Prepare a comprehensive plan and program for the emergency management of the county pursuant to state law, and to submit the plan and program including but not limited to elements addressing mitigation activities, preparedness, responses to disasters and emergencies, and recovery operations to the state director of emergency management for the director's recommendations thereto and certification for consistency with the state comprehensive emergency management plan in order to ensure that local emergency operations are coordinated with the state plan and program((.));
((4.)) 5. In accordance with such plan and program for county emergency management, procure supplies and equipment, institute professional and public training programs and public information and educational programs, manage and coordinate disaster drills, and take all other preparatory steps including the full or partial mobilization of the emergency management organization in advance of an actual disaster to ensure the furnishing of emergency management personnel in time of need((.));
((5.)) 6. Act as the hazardous material incident coordinating agency for King County as referenced in federal Title III, the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986, as amended((.));
((6.)) 7. Coordinate preparation of disaster proclamations and the appropriate documentation thereof for the purpose of obtaining state and federal relief and assistance.
((7.)) 8. Following implementation of the 800 MHz regional emergency communications system, manage and coordinate the county's internal interdepartmental radio communications system and prioritize communications in emergencies which exceed local resources;
((8.)) 9. Following implementation of the 800 MHz regional emergency communications system, represent the county concerning the management of the county's share of the system consistent with any interlocal agreements with other jurisdictions.
((9.)) 10. On behalf of the county, enter into mutual aid arrangements in collaboration with other public and private agencies for reciprocal emergency aid and assistance in the event of a disaster too great to be managed without assistance((.)); and
((10.)) 11. Delegate any administrative authority vested in the executive pursuant to this chapter and provide for the sub delegation of any such authority.
SECTION 3. Severability. If any provision of this ordinance or its application to
any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the ordinance or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected.